Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXIV, Laos Crisis

115. Telegram From the Delegation to the Conference on Laos to the Department of State⁰

Geneva, June 21, 1961, 5 p.m.

Confe 244. From Harriman. Most reports from Zurich¹ indicate Souvanna taking rigid attitude with RLG of victor vis-a-vis vanquished, closely parallel and perhaps even more inflexible than line of Souphannouvong. I have already reported from here absurd self-confidence affected by Souvanna that he can control Pathet Lao and win election if held three months. Whether he just sincerely naive or wilfully deceptive, fact is Souvanna seems to need some concerted effort especially on part Western friends to (A) get him to act like real neutral he claims to be; (B) give him facts of life about Russian tactics particularly for dumping once Soviet designs achieved those who count on their support; (C) tie-in with non-Communists as much as possible such as inducing non-Communist Lao to join him in move away from complete dependence on Pathet Lao.

To have any hope for future Laos independence, Souvanna must be induced to face reality he will be taken over by Pathet Lao unless he builds strong support from non-Communists within Laos and outside Laos to offset Soviet and other Communist pressures; also that strong ICC essential to protect his independence.

French undoubtedly have leverage with Souvanna, but so far they don’t seem to have exercised it. I sought unsuccessfully, partly because of limited time, to go into this during Couve’s recent visit here. I suggest that both in Washington and in Paris we attempt urgently to induce French to use their fullest influence with Souvanna to accept French draft copies machinery and to recognize dangers to him of dependence on Soviets and upon his ability to control Pathet Lao.

In discussion with MacDonald he fully agreed, and I believe he will suggest Foreign Office concert action with US and French. Will have a tripartite meeting with Chauvel this afternoon.²

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/6–2161. Secret; Priority. Repeated priority to London, Paris, New Delhi, Vientiane, and to Moscow.
1. On June 19, Princes Souvanna Phouma, Souphanouvong, and Boun Oum along with Phoumi met at Zurich to discuss formation of a government of national union. 1
2. The report of this meeting is in Confe 261, June 22. Harriman encouraged Chauvel to pressure Souvanna to face the “facts of life” of the danger relying on the Soviet’s “without strong anchor to the West.” Chauvel thought French influence could be done after the government of national union was formed. Harriman stated that would be too late. (Department of State, Central Files, 751J.00/6–2261)